Adhesive-applying machine



April 29, 1930. Q 5, PRlCE 1,755,833

ADHESIVE APPLYING MACHINE Filed sept. 14. 1928 4 sheets-sheet 1 `llelnlLlglu mum v v Summum IlIIhI vWITNESSES A INVENTOR fwh 2y. Charles ,s Pri,

ATTORNEYS.

April 29, 1930. Q 5 PRICE 1,756,833

ADHESIVE APPLYING MACHINE Filed Sept. 14. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Price,

.1 INvENToR.

April 29, 1930. Q 5 PRICE 1,756,833

ADHESIVE APPLY'I NG MACHINE Filed Sept. 14, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTom/Eys. l

April 29, 1930. C, S. PR|CE 1,756,833

ADI-IES IVE APPLYI NG MACHINE Filed Sept. 14. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 I W I TNESSES IMENTOR-: Cima/w15 5. Prune Patented Apr. 29, 1930 UNITED" STATI-:s

PATENT oFFlc CHARLES S. PRICE, -O11? BETHLEHEM, `PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB -'.I.Ov L. F. GRAmS & SONS, INC., 0F ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION MARYLAND AnHEsIvE-APPLYING MACHINE Application mea september 14, 192s.- seriel No. 306,086.-

` This invention relates to machines for applying hot or cold adhesive to the surface of sheet material such as labels, paper-box blanks, book binder cloth, book covers, paper novelties, cardboard and so forth, 1n an even and smooth manner.

Ordinarily, I aim to provide a power ac-r tuated gluing machine which is adapted to smoothly apply such adhesive'to sheet material surfaces economically and eficiently without waste, and with attendant saving of time as well as labor.

Another object is to'provide a machine of the type referred to that is capable of easy opening-up or dismantling for cleanlng, ready adaptation foreither sheet or strip gluing, and varied adjustment to accommodate different conditions in use.

The foregoing and certain other features of advantage, which will hereinafter. more fully appear, are secured in the machine of my present invention, the construction and operation of which-together with a typlcal embodiment illustrative of the principles involved-is described in the following specification, shown by the accompanying sheets of explanatory drawings, and the novel features whereof are particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Throughout the descriptive matter, and on the drawings, like reference characters are correspondingly applied in all the views.

Fig. I is a plan view of a power-actuated gluing machine embodying the present 1mprovements, with portions of certain removable members broken away to better illustrate underlying details.

Fig. II is a front elevation of the same, with a portion of a protective guard member removed to fragmentarily illustrate in full lines a feed device, later on specifically described. y

Fig. III is' a sectional view, taken approximately as indicated by the arrowed plane III-III in the preceding ligure.

Figs. IV and IVa are perspective views of picker or stripper elements hereinafter fully explained.

Fig. V is a plan view of the'feeding-in and stripper mechanism, with the associated carrier thereforas well as an alternative form of receiving deviceremoved from the machine. y

Fig. VI is a sectional view, taken as indicated by the arrowed line VI--VIv in Fig. V.

Fig. VII is a perspective view of a cover plate hereinafter fully described.

Fig. vVIII is` an invert perspective view of a closure for the filler-pocket of the adhesive tank, when the fountain is removed.

Fig. IX'is a sectional view, on a larger scale, of a resilient bearing, hereinafter fully described; and,

Fig. X is a perspective view of another cover plate, later on again referred to.

Referring more in detail to the drawings my novel power-actuated adhesive-applying machine conveniently comprises a rectangularly-shaped tank 1 for the adhesive, liquid glue for example, which is provided with supporting legs 2, each having an interfitted relatively-telescopic member 3 adapted to be secured at the requisite adjustment by means of a set screw 4; whereby provision is made for sustaining the device horizontal on an uneven surface, as well as at the desired level or height.` The tank 1 is also provided at the bottom with a housing 5 for reception of anl appropriate three-temperature heater 6, under control of a four-way rotary snapswitch 7 while 8 designates an attachment cord for connection to a source of electrical current vof suitable voltage.

Formed integral with-'and conveniently at one of the angular corners of-the tank 1 is a pocket 9 fitted with three removable angled-rods 10 that constitute a tripod support for the adhesive or glue fountain 11. In the embodiment illustrated the fountain 11 consists of a glass receptacle having a neck 12 which, when inverted as shown, automatically fixes and maintains the proper glue level in the tank 1, as conventionally indicated by the broken lines 18, without any additional care upon the part of the operator. On the other hand, when the fountain 11 is not used, the angled-rods 10 are removed and adhesive or glue is poured into the tank until it approximates the level 13 shown, whereupon the pocket 9 is closed-in by a cover plate 14,

such as shown in Fig. VIII. The cover late 14, it will be seen is configured to snug y fit the top of the pocket 9, `with a stepped cutout 15 to abut the proximate bearing lug or bracket 16, later on again referred to; and it is also .provided with a depending pin 17 adapted to seat in the boring 18 for one of the rods 10 aforesaid, as Well as snap flan es 19 that engage the outer Walls of saidpoc et to prevent lateral movement.

J ournaled transversely of the tank 1, in bearing slots 20, is the adhesive-applying roller or applicator drum 21, which is provided at one end with av grooved pulley 22 co-ordinated by a suitable drive 23 to a vertically mounted electric motor 24, .through the medium of a speed reduction means 25; said motor being under control of a rotary snap switch 26`in a shunt circuit 27, from the four-way switch 7 aforesaid. Co-operative with the applicator drum 21 is what I term a distributing or spreader roll 28, that is freely journaled at its ends in block bearings 29 movable in cut out guides 30 in the tank side walls, and under the action of cushioning springs 31 engaging pins 32 projecting from said bearings, adjustment bein effected by means of screws 33. Th'us it wlll be readily understood that the spreader roll 28 can be moved towards the applicator drum 21 b the screws 33, and that it is forced away t erefrom by the springs 31, whereby provision is made for accurately and evenly gauging the thickness of the film of adhesive applied by said drum 21, as well as the removal of any excess adhesive carried up thereby.`

Pivoted, by means of removable bearing pins 34, between the hereinbefore referred to bearing bracket 16 and corresponding one 16 at the opposite side of the tank 1, is a frame-- comprehensively designated 35--comprising companion side membersl 36 rigidly maintained in parallel spaced relation by screwended tie rods 37 with lock nuts 38. This frame 35 affords support for the feeding-in, stripping, and receiving mechanisms, now to be described; and which may-be swung-on the pivots 16, 16 as alcomposite unitfrom the illustrated position vinto an approximately vertical one, as conventionally indicated by the vertically inclined dot-and-dash lines in Fig. III, for a purpose later on explained.

The feeding-in means comprises an upper shaft 39 journaled in the frame 35 and formed-or fittedwith a series of rigid roller disks 40, of a diameter to liberally clear the applicator drum 21; and a co-operative lower roll 41 journaled by bearing blocks Llf2-Fig. IX-movable in guide slots 43 under the action of buffer springs`44, said springs being adjustable by means of cup screws 45. Thus it will be understood that the lower feed roll 41 is spring infiuenced upwardly towards the roller disks 40 at all times, but that it has capacity for recedance therefrom to accom modate different and varying thicknesses of *I vtively Wider gear 48, on the upper feedlroll The feed l von shaft 39, that drives a complementarily toothed gear 49 on the proximate end of the lower feed4 roll 41. VMeans, such as a pawl 50, freely pivoted on the end of the feed roll shaft 39, engage the teeth of the gear 46 to prevent back motion of the just described mechanism.

The picker or stripper means which func-V tions to det-ach or release thesheet material from the applicatory drum 21, as rapidly as e it is glued or otherwise coated with adherent, comprises a spindle '51 having reduced ends whereby it removably seats-in bearings 52l transversel ofthe, frame 35. This spindle 51 affords ree pivotal support for a series of comparatively-thin stripper fingers 53, of the configuration best shown inF 1g. IV, which are maintained in spaced relation by intervening and end sleeves 54, 55, respectively; the latter being keyed on the spindle 51 Vby cotter pins 56. It is to be remarked, however, that each finger 53 is'provided with an upper knife edge 57 as well as having its lower edge ta ered at 58-so that the points only of said fingers impingethe applicator vdrum 21, as best shown in Fig. III. Furthermore, the stripper fingers 53 are knife- .edged and afford a minor degree of lateral clearance with respect to the end sleeves 55, so that,.as the applicator drum 21 revolves, they may slightly vibrate and thereby prevent the formation of un-glued lines on thel material as it leaves said drum.

v The conveyor means hereinbefore referred to consists of a pair of paralleling shafts 59, 60, journaled in the frame 35, each of which is fitted with a series of spaced sprockets 61, about which are trained a plurality of ladder chains 62; While the former of said shafts -59 is co-ordinated, by a gear 59 meshing an idler gear 63 on a stub axis 64, for direct drive from the toothed gear 46 on the applicator drum axis 47. This conveyor means, it is to be noted, is geared and driven so that its rate of travel corresponds with the peripheral speed of the lapplicator drum 21, whereby the coating of thin tissue is accomplished without crumpling as would be the case were it forced over a rigid carrier.

In conjunction with the means just del scribed, and to better accommodate the gluing of heavy materials I provide a rack 65 embodying parallel bars 66, 67, with interfitted spaced rods 68 having their free ends downwardly bent at 69 to prevent damage l to glued material leaving the same. The rack 65 is removably fitted to-and supported on-the frame 35, by the bar 66 seating in complemental opposed cut-outs or notches 70, while the bar 67 rests on the side members 36, as clearly shown in. Figs. V and VI; and it is to be expressly understood the same is only employed when the machine is handling the heavier types of goods having adhesive applied thereto;

71-Figs. III and X-is a cover plate iitted intermediate the applicator drum 21 and back wall of the tank 1, which snaps on the upper edge of the latter, through provision vof vdepending inner end lianges 72 with anintermediate relatively spaced and longer outer flange 73. Somewhat similarly, the feedingin rolls 40, 41; the stripper lingers 53, and the gears 46, 48, 49 and l63 are protected and guarded by a removable cover plate 7 4,-Fig. VII-having curved edges 75 with reversely rolled terminal portions 76, adapted to snap into notchings 77 provided for their reception in the upstanding parts 78 of the side members 36 of the frame 35: while the one end of the cover plate 74 is downwardly extended at 79 to effectively shield the gears aforesaid.

Securely sustained by means of clamping screws 80-passed through key-hole slots 81-to abutments 82 at the frontal corners of the tank 1, with which the forward ends of the framey members 36 engage, is a plate or feed-table 83, having notched out 'corners 84 fitting between said members, and a downwardly angled front edge or lip 85. Thus it will be readily seen that when the feed-table 83 is placed in position and secured by the screws 80, it not only clamps down the forward end of the frame against any upward movement, but that said feed-table is effectively restrained against lateral displacement by the notched out corners 84. The feed-'table 83 is also provided with a channel-section guide rail 86, adjustable laterally of the machine through provision of tongues 87 on said rail engaging in a slot 88 in the table, means such as a clamp screw 89 and round section nut 90 serving to lock the rail 86 at the required adjustment,'whereby provision is made to accommodate diering widths of material.

It is often desirable that the adhesive be applied to only a portion of the surface of the material passed through the machine, and

to accommodate such requirement we make provision for covering up a portion of the applicator drum 21, so that only a part thereof is exposed for contact by the passing material. To thisend we rigidly mount between the abutments 82 a rod 91, to which is applied a thin springy material cover member 92, means such as a snap rolled edge 93 serving to retain said member to the'rod 91. Obviously this cover member extends well over the crest of the applicator drum 21, into proximity with the stripper ngers 53, as shown in Fig. III; while it is equally apparent that it may be moved along the rod 91 to whidh comprises a shaft 97 sustaining a series of spaced lingers 98, of the type shown in Fig. IVa. The stripper device seats in notches 99 in the frame 35, in an obvious manner and the fingers 98 occupy the position shown in Fig. VI relative to the applicator drum 20.

Means such as a distributor conveyor 94- Fig. III- may be arranged in juxtaposition to the machine for transporting the glued material wherever required, as well as to prevent unnecessary handling by the operator.i A removable crank handle 95 may be applied to the applicator drumaxis 47, if the machine is to be manually operated; while 96 Fig'. II designates a drain plug which may be removed when cleaning out the tank 1.

From the foregoing it is thought that the operation of my improved adhesive-applying machine will be readily understood, but it is deemed desirable to point out that, after the tank 1 is replenished with adhesive 13 to the proper level, a few turns of the handle 95 will show whether or not too much adhesive is being fed by the applicator drum 21. This can be readily remedied by manipulation -of the two adjuster screws 33, to position the distributing or spreader roll 28 accurately relative to the applicator drum 21 to give the proper thickness of adhesive desired. To dismantle the machine for cleaning, it is only necessary to loosen the clamp screws 80, remove'the feed-table 83, swing the frame 35 on its pivots upwardly to a position slightly beyond the vertical to -prevent its accidental falling, as indicated on Fig. III, and release the drive belt 23; whereupon the applicator drum 21 and distributing roll 28 can be lifted out and thoroughly cleaned before replacement. Obviously a reverse sequence of operations takes place when reassembling the machine, and that when operating the machine electrically the handle 95 is removed, and said machine controlled by the switches 7 vand 26. f

While I have particularly described the illustrated embodiment of this invention, it is to be understood that structural refinements and variations in the relative aggroupment 1 of the correlated mechanism may be resorted to, without departing from the scope of said invention, as tersely defined by the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator removably journaled in the container; a, co-operative relatively-adfulcrumed to the container with capacity for limited movement; said frame in one position securing the applicator and distributor y means in operative location, and, when in another position, permitting their free removal.

2.' The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator removably journaled in the container; a co-operative relatively-adjustable distributor; and a frame sustaining feeding-in, stripping and receiving devices, pivoted over the container with capacity for limited movement; said stripping and receiving devices being removable as individual -units, while the frame when horizontal re-` tains the applicator and distributor 1n operative location, but when rocked substantially vertical permits said devices to be lifted out from their bearings.

3. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator removably journaled inthe container; a co-operative relativelyadjustable distributor; a frame sustaining feeding-in, stripping andv receiving devices, pivoted over the container with capacity for limited movement; said stripping and receiving devices being removable as separate units, while the frame when horizontal retains the applicator and distributor in operative location, but when rocked substantially vertical, permits said devices to be lifted out from their bearings and means co-ordinating the applicator with the feeding-in devices for synchronous operation.

4. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicato-r removably journaled in the container, a co-operative relatively-adj ustable distributor; a frame sustaining feeding-in stripping and receiving. devices, pivotedover the container with capacity for limited movement; said stripping and receiving devices being removable as separate units, while the frame when horizontal retains the applicator and distributor in operative location, but when rocked substantially vertical permits said devices to be removed from their bearings; and means co-ordinating the applicator with the feeding-in device, as well as the receiving device, for simultaneous operation at synchronous surface speeds.

5. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of `a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator drum removably journaledVv in the container; a friction-driven spring-influenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; and a frame-sustaining feedingin, stripping and receiving devices, pivoted over the container with capacity for limited \contacting feeding-in means comprising an upper driver roll, embodying spaced disks= journaled in the frame with a co-operative resiliently-inluenced lower driven roll stripping and receiving devices sustained by the (frame, and said frame when disposed horizontal retaining the applicator drum and distributor roll in operative location, but when rocked to substantially vertical position `per mitting them to be bodily removed from their respective bearings.v

' 7. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator drum removably journaled in the container; a friction-driven spring-influenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; a frame pivoted over the container with capacity for limited movement, non-contacting feeding-in means comprising an upper driver roll, embodying spaced disks, journaled in the frame with a co-operative resiliently-iniiuenced lowerdriven roll; stripper means-removable as a unit fromI the frame-incorporating a bar with spaced pawl-like fingers having upwardly-directed .knife edges and their lower edges tapered for point-on impingement with the applicator drum to lift material therefrom as rapidly as it is coated with adhesive; the aforesaid frame when disposed horizontal retaining the applicator drum and distributor roll in operative location, but when rocked to a sub- Stantia'lly vertical position, permitting them l to be freely lifted out of their bearings.

8. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator drum'removably journaled in the container; a friction-driven spring-influenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; a frame pivoted over the container with capacity for limited movement, non-contacting feeding-in means comprising an upper driver roll, embodying spaced disks, journaled in the frame with a co-operative resiliently-influenced lower driven roll; stripper means-removable as a unit from the frame-incorporating a bar with spaced pawl-like fingers havingv upwardly-directed knife edges and their lower edges tapered for point-on impingement with the applicator drum to lift material therefrom as rapidly as it is coated with adhesive; a iexible receiving conveyor supported in the frame; and said frame when disposed horizontal retaining the applicator drum and distributor roll in operative location, but when rocked to substantially vertical position, permitting them to be lifted out of their bearings.

9. The combination in anl-adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator drum removably journaled in the container; a friction-driven spring-influenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustablerelative to the applicator drum; a frame pivoted over the container with capacity for limited movement, non-contacting feeding-in means comprising an upper driverroll, embodying spaced disks, journaled in the frame with .a co-operative resiliently-iniuenced lower driven roll; stripper means-removable as a unit from the frameincorporating a bar with spaced pawl-like fingers having upwardly-directed knife edges and their lower edges tapered for point-on 'impingement with4 the applicator drum to lift material therefrom as rapidly as it is coated with adhesive; a flexible receiving s conveyor supported in the frame for normal use; va removable rack comprising parallel bars with interiitted rods having their outer ends downwardly bent for support by the frame over the flexible conveyor when the machine is treating heavy grade materials; said frame when disposed horizontal retaining the applicator drum and distributor roll` in operative location, but when swung to substantially vertical position, permitting them to be lifted bodily out from their bearings.

. 10. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator drum removably journaled in the container; a friction-drivenl spring-influenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; a frame pivoted to the container, muon-contacting `:feeding-in driver roll incorporating a series of spaced disks with a co-operative resiliently-iniluenced driven roll, both journaled in said frame; a

removable stripper including pawl-like'fingers for point-on impingement with the applicator drum; a conveyor of spaced ladder chains trained about sprockets journaled in the frame; and the aforesaid frame when horizontal retaining the respective mechanisms in .co-ordinate operative relation, but when swung vertical permitting free removal of the applicator drum and the distributor roll.

11. The combination in an` adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the ad-vv hesive; a rotatable applicator vdrum removably journaled in the container; a frictionldriven spring-iniiuenced distributor roll cooperative with and adjustable relative to the l applicator drum; a frame pivoted to the container, a` non-contactingv feeding-in driver roll incorporating a series 4of spaced disks with a co-operative resiliently-intluenced driven roll, both journaled in said frame; a

removable stripper including paWl-likefingers for point-on impingement with the applicator drum; a conveyor of paralleling ladder chains trained about spaced sprockets journaled in the frame; and gears co-ordinating the applicator drum, feeding-in rolls, and said conveyor for operation at corresponding peripheral speeds; l 12. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive;

a rotatable applicator drum removably jourstripper includingspaced pawl-like 'lingers j for'point-on impingement with the applicator drum; a conveyor of paralleling ladder chains trained about spaced'sprockets journaled in the frame; gears (Jo-ordinating the vapplicator drum, feeding-in rolls, and said conveyor for operation at corresponding peripheral speeds; and an electric-motor serving to drive the applicator drum.

13. The combination in an adhesive applying machine, of a container for the adhesive;

ico

a rotatable applicator drum removably jourf naled in the container; a friction-driven spring-inuenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; a frame pivoted 'to the con.

tainer, a non-contacting feeding-in driver roll incorporating a series of spaced disks with a co-operative resiliently-inluenced driven roll, both journaled in said Jframe; a

vremovable stripper including spaced pawllike fingers for point-on impingeinent with the applicator drum; a conveyor of paralleling ladder chains trained about spaced sprockets journaled in the frame; gears coordinating the applicator drum, feeding-in rolls, and said conveyor for operation at corresponding peripheral. speeds; an electric motor serving to drive the applicator drum;

and a springy material shield, sustained'by snap connection onto a supporting rod across the container, serviceable to cover a portion of the applicator drum to adapt the machiner for strip gluing.

14. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive; a rotatable applicator drum removably journaled in the. container; a Jfriction-driven spring-inuenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applilingers for point-on impingement with thev applicator drum; a conveyor of paralleling chains trained about spaced sprockets journaled in the frame; gears co-ordinating the applicator drum, feeding-in rolls,and lsaid conveyor for operation at corresponding pe` ripheral speeds; an electric motor serving vto drive the applicator drum; a springy material shield, sustained by snap connection onto a supporting rod across the container, serviceable to cover a portion of the applicator drum to adapt the machine for strip gluing; a feed..- table attached to the container through the medium of key-hole slots and clamping screws arranged to lock the frame aforesaid in operative position; a guide rail on said table having tongues engaging a slot therein; and a screw with a round-section nut for locking said rail at the requisite adjustment.

15. The combination in an adhesive-applying machine, of a container for the adhesive, said container having a filler pocket with removable angled-rods affording support for a fountain which determines the level of adhesive in the container; a rotatable drum removably journaled in the container; a friction-driven spring-innuenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; a frame pivoted to the container; a non-contacting feeding-in driver roll incorporating a series of spaced disks with a co-operative resiliently-inluenced driven roll, both journaled in said frame; a removable stripper including spaced pawl-like. lingers for point-on impingement with the applicator drum; a conveyor of paralleling chains trained about spaced sprockets ournaled in the frame; and the aforesaid frame when horizontal retaining the respective mechanisms in co-ordinate 'operative relation, but when swung vert1cal a friction-driven spring-influenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; a frame pivoted to the container, a non-contacting feeding-in driver roll incorporating a series of spaced disks with a co-operative resiliently-inliuenced driven roll, both journaled in Y said frame; a removable stripper including spaced pawl-like fingers for point-on impingement with the applicator drum; a conveyor of rparalleling lchains trained about v spaced sprockets journaled in the frame;

andthe aforesaid frame when horizontal retaining the respective mechanism in co- Vangled-rod sockets and the outer wall of the filler pocket to close in the latter when the fountain is not used; a rotatable applicator drum removably journaled in the container; a friction-driven spring-influenced distributor roll co-operative with and adjustable relative to the applicator drum; a Aframe pivoted to the container, a` non-contacting feeding-in driver roll incorporating a series of spaced disks with a co-operative resiliently-influenced driven roll, both journaled in said frame; a removable stripper including spaced pawl-like fingers for point-on impingement with the applicator drum; a conveyor of paralleling chains about spaced sprockets journaled in the-frame; the aforesaid frame when horizontal retaining the respective mechanisms in co-ordinate operative relation, but when swung vertical permitting free removal of the applicator druml and the distributor roll; a removable cover snapping on the back wall of the container serving to close in the space at the back of the applicator drum; and a removable member adapted to shield the feeding-in and stripper means and to guard the drive mechamsm. 4

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name at Allentown` Pennsylvania, this 4th day of September, 1928.

CHARLES S. PRICE. 

